MLB Player News

Martinez (3-5) allowed three runs on four hits and two walks with seven strikeouts over seven innings but took the loss Friday against Oakland.

Martinez was making his first major-league start since he was sent down Aug. 7. Despite the loss, Martinez managed his first quality start since June 20. Given Tyson Ross's struggles this year, the Rangers desperately need starting pitch depth, so Martinez has probably earned himself at least one more trip through the rotation.

Merritt (1-0) picked up the win against the Royals on Friday, tossing 6.2 scoreless innings and allowing seven hits and a walk while striking out three.

The left-hander looked more like last year's playoff hero than he had in his two previous big-league starts in 2017, firing 66 of 97 pitches for strikes and producing an eye-popping 11 groundball outs against only one flyball out. With Josh Tomlin (hamstring) set to come off the DL at the end of the month, however, Merritt will likely settle into a long-relief role over the final weeks of the season.

Diaz pitched a scoreless inning while allowing a walk and striking out one to earn his 30th save Friday against the Yankees.

Diaz came on in the 11th inning to protect a one-run lead and saved his 12th straight contest since July 22. Although his ERA is a bit high for a closer at 3.54, it's a small price to pay for a closer with 30 saves.

Martinez was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock and will start Friday against the A's.

The Rangers had already announced Martinez as Friday's starter and he's now officially back on the active roster, replacing Nick Gardewine. Martinez had some initial success this season, but he's posted a 5.88 ERA, 1.49 WHIP and 33:22 K:BB in his last 14 appearances with Texas (67.1 innings). He's not a recommended play, even in a favorable matchup.

Sedlock was placed on the disabled list at High-A Frederick due to a right forearm strain Friday, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

Sedlock was experiencing tightness in his forearm, and heads to the DL for the second time this season. The first trip came in July and lasted three weeks, as he dealt with a right elbow flexor strain. According to general manager Dan Duquette, Sedlock will likely be shut down for the rest of 2017 since the Carolina League's regular season ends soon.

Armstrong was optioned to Triple-A Columbus on Friday.

In a corresponding move, Cleveland recalled left-hander Ryan Merritt from Columbus prior to his spot start against the Royals. Armstrong was only just called up by the club a couple days ago, but gave up two earned runs in 1.1 innings against Boston on Tuesday in his lone appearance. The 26-year-old will likely be back with the Indians once rosters expand next week, serving in low-leverage situations out of the bullpen.

Merritt was called up ahead of Friday's start against the Royals.

Merritt will make a spot start following Danny Salazar's placement on the DL due to an elbow injury. During three appearances -- two starts -- in the majors this season, the southpaw has posted a 3.12 ERA and 1.73 WHIP while striking out three over 8.2 innings.

Giles (neck) struck out the side in the 10th inning of Thursday's loss to the Nationals.

He kept the game tied with a clean frame before Tyler Clippard gave up the deciding runs in the 11th. Giles was unavailable Wednesday after waking up with neck stiffness, but he showed no ill effects Thursday, so it would seem the issue is already behind him. The 26-year-old currently ranks seventh in the American League with 24 saves.

Johnson is slated to start Saturday for Triple-A Pawtucket.

A line drive caught Johnson in the leg during his Aug. 16 start, forcing him from the game after just one inning, but he returned to action five days later. He figures to make two more starts (including Saturday's) before rejoining the big club in September, but it's uncertain if Johnson will start at all for the first-place Red Sox over the season's final month. Johnson recently battled some shoulder fatigue and an assignment to the bullpen would be theoretically help preserve the shoulder.

Maurer is combating his recent struggles by making an adjustment to the positioning of his feet on the rubber, Rustin Dodd of The Kansas City Star reports.

Maurer came over from San Diego with a habit of toeing the rubber from the extreme first-base side. He's surrendered nine earned runs in 11.2 innings through 13 appearances with the Royals, prompting pitching coach Dave Eiland to suggest a move to the opposite side of the mound. "It's a somewhat simple adjustment," manager Ned Yost said. "But for pitchers, it's not." The Royals hope the move will create more deception in his delivery and help hide the ball from hitters. Maurer said this week that he has become comfortable with the change.